Builders Jamaica April-July 2021

ARCHITECTS
a stamp and seal. If the person isn’t licensed to practice,
they’re not legal and there are considerable risks involved in
working with them. As a potential client, you can ask for proof
of their registration and license to practice architecture.
Being licensed also means that any act of fraud such as not
completing the work agreed to after accepting money from
a client, can result in that architect receiving disciplinary
actions such as fines or being removed from the register,
rendering them unable to practice.
The laws of Jamaica also protect the title ‘architect,’ so much
so that people who pretend to be architects and are caught
can be fined or imprisoned for up to a year. This particular
law, called the Architect’s Registration Act, was first ratified
in 1987 with subsequent amendments made to safeguard
the profession.
In 2004, in an act of Parliament, the title ‘architect’ was
declared protected, limiting the use only to persons
registered as such by the Architects Registration Board of
Jamaica (ARB) and stating that, “no person, unless he is a
Registered Architect shall, in Jamaica – carry on the practice
of architecture.”
Architects are also required to maintain their license and
each year, must earn Continuing Professional Development
(CPD) points. The aim of the CPD points is for architects
to maintain and improve on their existing skills as well to
broaden their knowledge in areas relevant to architecture;
ensuring that they not only evolve with the changing
technology and practices, but that they also maintain a high
level of competency.
ensuring that the building adheres to the design, approvals,
time schedule, and cost. The architect will undertake regular
visits to guard the client against any defects and deficiencies
in the works and keep them continually apprised of the
project during construction. Should further changes be
required, the architect is on hand to provide detailed
instructions. And perhaps most critically, the architect serves
as the conduit between the client and contractor. They are
unbiased and facilitate the timely delivery of the project as
designed and agreed upon.
So, Are You Ready to Use An Architect?
IIn the coming weeks, the ARB will be publishing a list of
persons licensed to practice architecture in Jamaica. The
list of more than 100 architects represents those who are
qualified and licensed to practice for 2021, and possess a
range of expertise from residential to commercial buildings
to sustainable design.
So now that you know what architects do, the efforts to
attain and maintain their registered status and licensure,
as well as the ethical code they are bound by, ensure that
you go for the real deal or don’t settle for an impostor. Do
source an architect who is a registered professional before
attempting any construction development or face the risks
by putting your project in the hands of someone completely
unqualified to undertake that task.
From the initial design to construction management,
architects ensure not only a high quality of service but also
a quality product.
Architects Keep The Job on Target and Within
Budget
Architects are trained to recognize and understand the
fiscal and contractual implications of the decisions taken
throughout a project.
Remember that unfortunate client with the public building
now significantly over budget? After construction began,
he was advised that severe weather conditions had resulted
in flooding—a major contributor to the cost overrun and
delays on the completion of the building. The due diligence
of a licensed architect requires them to make observations
and apprise the clients of potential risks, especially such as
building in a flood prone area. Architects don’t just design
“fancy” buildings, they design functional buildings that take
into consideration all environmental and economic factors.
Architects Keep Contractor’s In Check
Architects do more than just draw plans. During construction,
the architect serves as the administrator of the contract—
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